Mobile-phone adapter for electronic transactions

ABSTRACT

A mobile-device adapter to facilitate the exchange of visual information between a mobile device and a point-of-sale terminal is disclosed. The mobile-device adapter may be connected to a point-of-sale terminal at a retail checkout and configured to allow a customer to temporarily position their mobile device so that the mobile-device adapter may (i) image the mobile-device display and (ii) present images to the mobile-device camera. In this way, the mobile-device adapter may facilitate electronic transactions using visual images.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to point-of-sale (POS) systems, and more specifically, to an apparatus for facilitating an electronic transaction with a mobile device.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking point-of-sale (i.e., checkout) systems are computing systems that facilitate the exchange of goods/services for a payment. In general, these systems require customer payment information in order to process a cashless transaction. Traditionally, this payment information was provided by manually swiping a credit card through a magnetic reader. Recently, mobile devices (e.g., smartphones or feature phones) have begun to replace traditional credit cards for retail payments. For example, a mobile device capable of near field communication (NFC) can communicate with a point-of-sale (POS) system to exchange payment information and process the transaction. Unfortunately, a large number of customers do not use these NFC-enabled mobile devices. All mobile devices are likely, however, to be equipped with a camera and a display. These mobile devices could process a transaction with a point-of-sale terminal if there was an adapter in place that allowed the mobile device to visually communicate using its camera and display.

A need, therefore, exists for a mobile-device adapter that facilitates the exchange of visual information through the use of a mobile-device's camera and display.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a mobile-device adapter to facilitate electronic communication between a mobile device and a host device. The mobile-device adapter includes (i) an adapter camera, (ii) an adapter display, (iii) an adapter frame, and (iv) an adapter communication module. The adapter camera is configured to acquire images of a mobile-device display, and the adapter display is configured to present images to a mobile-device camera. The adapter frame is configured to temporarily position the mobile device. The adapter frame also permanently supports the adapter camera and the adapter display. In this way, the adapter frame permits the adapter camera to acquire images of the mobile-device display, and permits the adapter display to present images to the mobile-device camera. The adapter communication module is electrically connected to the adapter camera and the adapter display. The communication module is configured to facilitate a digital data link between the mobile-device adapter and a host device.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a checkout system. The checkout system includes (i) a mobile device, (ii) a mobile-device adapter, and (iii) a point-of-sale terminal. The mobile device has a mobile-device camera for capturing visual information and a mobile-device display for displaying visual information. The mobile-device adapter is configured to temporarily position the mobile device and to exchange visual information with the mobile device. The mobile-device adapter includes an adapter camera for receiving visual information from the mobile-device display and an adapter display for transmitting visual information to the mobile-device camera. The point-of-sale terminal processes and records the visual information from the mobile-device adapter and is connected to the mobile-device adapter by a communication link.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 graphically depicts an exemplary checkout system including a mobile-device adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As the number of customers using mobile devices in retail settings increases, the use of these devices for transacting purchases becomes highly desirable. Transactions using mobile devices may be enabled through the exchange of data over a wireless radio frequency (RF) link. Indeed, near field communication (NFC) has been established as a means for this wireless communication link due to its security and straightforward use. Unfortunately, many mobile devices are not equipped with NFC technology. Most, if not all, mobile devices are, however, equipped with at least one integrated camera and a display. This mobile-device camera and mobile-device display may be utilized as a means of transmitting and receiving information through visual images. In this way, mobile devices (e.g., smartphones or feature phones), not equipped with NFC, have the potential to perform the electronic communication necessary for processing a retail transaction (e.g., electronic payment).

Communicating through images (i.e., visual communication) may be accomplished using visual symbols. Barcodes, for example, are a means for transmitting information through the use of a one (or two) dimensional pattern. This pattern represents data relating to the object to which it is associated. Historically, barcodes have been read (i.e., decoded) using barcode scanners. These scanners acquire barcode information by detecting the reflected light resulting from a beam of light scanned across the light and dark areas of the barcode. More recently, these barcode scanners have been replaced with imagers that capture a visual image of the barcode and then use image processing algorithms running on a microprocessor (i.e., processor) to read (i.e., decode) the information encoded in the barcode. Indeed, applications for mobile devices exist to allow a user read a product barcode to determine price or other information.

The display of a mobile device has likewise been used for image communications. For example, the mobile-device display has been used as a means of presenting barcodes for ticketing or coupons. To redeem a coupon with a mobile device, the coupon's barcode may be displayed on the mobile device. The mobile device can then be presented, like a traditional coupon, to a checkout operator. The operator then scans the mobile-device display to redeem the coupon. Since this process may involve a customer handing the mobile device to a stranger, customers may be reluctant to adopt it as a means for transaction. Some customers feel uncomfortable letting a stranger handle their mobile device. A self-service reader, therefore, is often a preferred in this situation.

As described above, mobile devices may be used for both transmitting and receiving information visually. Combining the mobile-device imaging and display subsystems to facilitate a visual communication link with a point-of-sale terminal for the purposes of enabling a retail transaction, however, requires a novel interface (i.e., adapter). This mobile-device adapter may serve to (i) physically position the mobile device (ii) transmit/receive visual images to/from the mobile device, and (iii) communicate with a point-of-sale terminal.

An exemplary embodiment of a checkout system using a mobile-device adapter is shown in FIG. 1. In this system, a point-of-sale terminal 1 is connected via a communication link (e.g., digital-data link) 2 to a mobile-device adapter 3. The mobile-device adapter 3 allows the point-of-sale terminal 1 to interface with a mobile device 4 for the exchange of payment information (e.g., credit card information). This information may include the data necessary to process a transaction (e.g., credit card purchase). The mobile-device adapter 3 allows communication to proceed with a mobile-device camera and a mobile-device display, thereby eliminating the need for any wireless functionality (e.g., NFC communication). In general, however, functionality for both types of communication could be incorporated into the mobile-device adapter.

To use the mobile-device adapter 3, a mobile-device owner enables the mobile device 4 for a transaction and then positions the mobile device 4 in a guide area 6 formed into the mobile-device adapter frame 5. Enabling the mobile device 4 could include activating an application (i.e., app) on the mobile device 4. The application could serve to coordinate the mobile-device's camera and display for video communication. For example, the mobile-device display could present a barcode to convey transaction information, while at the same time the mobile-device's camera could be configured to collect images. Information from the collected images could then be used to update the mobile-device's display. This process of transmitting and receiving images could proceed through several iterations, and in this way, serve as a full two-way communication link.

A guide area 6 in the mobile-device adapter may be a transparent platter to help the mobile-device owner properly position the device in the mobile-device adapter 3. When the mobile device 4 is in proper position, the mobile-device display may be imaged by an adapter camera 7. Likewise, an adapter display 8 is positioned within the field of view of the mobile-device camera when the mobile device 4 is positioned in the guide area 6.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the mobile-device display and mobile-device camera are on opposite sides of the mobile device 4, however a mobile device could have both on the same side. To accommodate this, the adapter 3 could have the adapter camera 7 and the adapter display 8 on the same side. Alternatively, a different mobile-device adapter embodiment may have a reconfigurable display/camera arrangement. In addition, the adapter frame 5, shown in FIG. 1, is substantially vertical but could also be non-vertical.

The mobile-device adapter's adapter display 8, as shown in FIG. 1, presents a visual mark (i.e., symbol) representing information from the point-of-sale terminal 1 that is necessary for a transaction (e.g., checkout). For example, a symbol on the mobile-device display could identify the point-of-sale terminal. The symbol could be any mark used to encode information. Examples of possible coded symbols include: barcodes, characters for optical character recognition (OCR), or images. In addition, the symbol image could contain encrypted data within a displayed symbol or mark to add another layer of security to the communication with the mobile device.

The adapter display 8 could be a fixed mark (e.g., printed mark) or could be an electronic display (i.e., video display). When using an electronic display (e.g., video display), the visual marks could be updated or changed depending on usage and work flow. The adaptability of an electronic display could, for example, allow for a modifiable encryption for security purposes. In addition, video signals sent to the adapter display could allow for added functionality.

A video signal includes many images (i.e., image frames) sent sequentially in time. The frames are typically displayed at a frame rate that is sufficiently high so that the human eye does not perceive individual images. While this phenomenon is typically used to convey motion, it may also be used to multiplex information intended for different purposes. For example, an adapter display 8 with a high frame rate could be used to interleave transaction information frames with frames directed to the mobile-device owner (i.e., customer). These customer-directed frames might include customer information such as advertisements or customer instructions (e.g., how to use the mobile-device adapter). The transaction directed frames, on the other hand, might include (i) transaction processing payment information (e.g., credit card information or coupon information), (ii) security information (e.g., point-of-sale terminal identification), and/or (iii) timing/logic for communication. In addition, multiple frames may be used to convey a single information message. In other words, information may be distributed and displayed on different frames in a video sequence. This is especially useful to transfer a large amount of data.

The adapter camera 7 has a field of view that is directed to the mobile-device display when the mobile device 4 is positioned in the mobile-device adapter 3. In one embodiment, the mobile-device adapter 3 uses the backlight of the mobile-device's display for illumination and therefore no additional lighting is necessary.

The mobile device 4 may display a single image or may display multiple images during the transaction. In some cases, the mobile-device camera and mobile-device display may work in conjunction to transmit and receive visual information in a full two-way image communication link with the mobile-device adapter. In other embodiments the mobile-device camera might simply present a single image (e.g., coupon) for decoding (i.e., a one-way image communication link). The mobile device 4 may use a processor running algorithms to interpret (i.e., decode) a symbol displayed on the adapter display 8 in order to trigger the generation of a secure payment information image. This information may be stored on the device or may be algorithmically derived based on the transaction. A transaction may require multiple exchanges of information.

In one possible embodiment, the mobile-device adapter 3 may have electronics and processing to interpret the images acquired by the mobile-device camera 7, while in others this operation may take place remotely on a host device (e.g., point-of-sale terminal 1). For example, the functionality of a barcode reader could be incorporated with the mobile-device adapter. Here, the information sent to the point-of-sale terminal 1 would be the decoded information from the barcode. On the other hand, the mobile-device adapter may simply send raw images to the point-of-sale terminal, where the processing and decoding of the image would take place.

The data link (i.e., communication link) between the point-of-sale terminal 1 and the mobile-device adapter 3 may be wired or wireless (e.g., using radio frequency). A communication module 9 integrated as part of the mobile-device adapter 3 may process the adapter camera 7 data, add protocol information and timing, and transmit/receive data. This module may also be electrically connected to the adapter display if the adapter display is an electronic display and can be updated.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A mobile-device adapter to facilitate electronic communication between a mobile device and a host device, the mobile-device adapter comprising: an adapter camera configured to acquire images of a mobile-device display; an adapter display configured to present images to a mobile-device camera; an adapter frame configured to temporarily position the mobile device in a guide area and to permanently support the adapter camera and the adapter display, the adapter frame permitting (i) the adapter camera to acquire images of the mobile-device display and (ii) the adapter display to present images to the mobile-device camera when the mobile device is positioned in the guide area; and an adapter communication module configured to facilitate a digital data link between the mobile-device adapter and a host device, the adapter communication module being electrically connected to the adapter camera and the adapter display.
 2. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 1, wherein the electronic communication between the mobile device and the host device comprises payment information.
 3. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 1, wherein, the host device is a point-of-sale terminal.
 4. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter display comprises a video display configured to display a sequence of image frames comprising image frames for customer viewing and image frames for electronic communication.
 5. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 4, wherein the image frames for customer viewing comprise customer instructions.
 6. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 1, wherein the digital data link is a wireless communication link.
 7. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 1, wherein images displayed by the adapter display comprise encrypted data.
 8. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 1, wherein the images displayed by the adapter display comprise point-of-sale terminal identification information.
 9. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter display comprises a fixed mark.
 10. The mobile-device adapter according to claim 1, wherein the mobile-device adapter comprises a processor configured to interpret images from the adapter camera, the processor being electrically connected to the adapter camera.
 11. A checkout system, comprising: a mobile device having a mobile-device camera for capturing visual information and a mobile-device display for displaying visual information; a mobile-device adapter configured to temporarily position the mobile device in a guide area and to exchange visual information with the mobile device, the mobile-device adapter comprising (i) an adapter camera for receiving visual information from the mobile-device display and (ii) an adapter display for transmitting visual information to the mobile-device camera when the mobile device is positioned in the guide area; and a point-of-sale terminal for processing and recording the visual information from the mobile-device adapter, the point-of-sale terminal connected to the mobile-device adapter via a communication link.
 12. The checkout system according to claim 11, wherein the visual information received by the adapter camera comprises coded symbols and the mobile-device adapter comprises a processor configured to decode the coded symbols.
 13. The checkout system according to claim 11, wherein the adapter display is a printed mark.
 14. The checkout system according to claim 11, wherein the adapter display is an electronic display.
 15. The checkout system according to claim 14, wherein the mobile-device adapter comprises a communication module electrically connected to both the adapter camera and the adapter display, the communication module facilitating a digital data link between the mobile-device adapter and the point-of-sale terminal.
 16. The checkout system according to claim 11, wherein the visual information includes payment information.
 17. The checkout system according to claim 11, wherein the visual information comprises point-of-sale terminal identification.
 18. The checkout system according to claim 11, wherein the visual information comprises encrypted information.
 19. The checkout system according to claim 11, wherein the visual information comprises multiple images sequentially displayed.
 20. The checkout system according to claim 11, wherein the point-of-sale terminal is connected to the mobile-device adapter via a wireless communication link. 